Automatic valve



Nov. 18, 1941. s. s. RATHBUN 3 AUTOMATIC VALVE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 u FT INVENITOR. S/lerrz'll ,Sf Rail/E bun AIToRNEYs.

Nov. 18; 1941. s. s. RATHBUN 2,263,103

AUTOMATIC VALVE Original Filed March 3, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheer, 2

I N V EN TOR. S/zerrz'il 5T RaZ/z bun B Y ,0

ATTORNEYS.

's s. RATHBUN AUTOMATIG VALVE Nov. 18, 1941.

Original Filed M rch 5, 1937 "4 Sheets-Sheet 5 19 SJRATHBU N 2,263,103 AUTOMATIC VALVE ori inal Filed March a, 19:57 4 Sheets-sheet 4 10 i v l [108 00 I ll 101 10 e L L INVENTOR; Sfiqrv-ill Sk burp ATTORNEYS.

; Patented Nov 18, 1941- UNITED a a mm o aurom'rro VALVE Slierrill s, Bathhnn, RockvilleCentrc, NJ Y.

Substituted for abandoned application semi No. f

128,714. March a. 19:1.

mar-y 10, 1941,, Serial No. 378,281

This application Feb! 16 claims, (cuss-+42) This is a substitute for abandoned application S. N. 128,714, filed March 3, 1937. i

This invention relates broadly to valves con trolling the flow of either heating orcooling media, and particularly to thermostatically controlled and thermostatically motorized, quickacting devices of this type. i

The primeobject of-this invention is, to, provide a thermostatically controlled and thermostatically actuated valve, whereinthese two functions of the device are. not only effected, but

operation or the device; caused by temperature changes, occurring eitherlin the room in which the valve is installed, or by'the controlled medium itself, or both, is also compensated.

' Another object of thisin'ventionyis to provide "a valveyof this kind, consisting of an independently operating thermo-motm" and a thermostatically controlledmechanism, which is indeare directly affected by a combination oithe temperatures, composed of the temperature of the room in whichthe device is installed, and the temperature of the device itself, derived from exposure to the medium controlled by it.

Another object oi this invention is to provide an accurately functioning, dependable device of this kind, adapted for controlling either heat ing or cooling systems, such as, for instance, what is known as ooze-pipe heating systems,

wherein it is desirable that theaction oi the device is quick or direct, for either fully closing or fully opening the passage for controlling the heating medium, at the very slightest change in temperature; or for two-pipe heating systems, whereinithe operation of the device has tobe gradualh",

Another object of this invention is to provide a thermostatically controlled andthermostatically operated valve, wherein the throttle,

"controlling the flow of the medium to be controlled, is positive acting, that is,, one which causes the throttleyto move from one extreme to the other extreme position, without tan'ying in, any intermediate position, and wherein" the temperature of the medium, controlled is used as a relay to control the function oi the valve; A

Another object of this'inven'tiony-is to provide a thermostatically controlled and 'athermostatically operated valve, wherein the control'meche anismis not called upon to provide the power, for directly operatingthe means for controlling i the medium to be controlled, but wherein-ftheu" temperature of the medium itself eflectsthe close ,ing and opening ofthedevice,v

Another object "of this 'invention"v isgto provide in a valve: or} thispkind a g-,thern1 o inotor;; a, portionloi which is directly exposed td the, in- .g fluence and temperatures of the medium 'toa-be' controlled, and wherein means-are provided,

, erning the movement oi said operating portionf pendent of such motor, and :wherein the V operative or interior portion of; that motor, controlling the medium to be controlled, is directly posed; to the infiuencefoi that medium} and wherein another exterior portion of that thermo;

motor is normally exposed, to a large extentto the outside or room temperature,whereas it is exposed, to a smaller extent, tp the tempera ture of. the devicelitseli, induced by thejcon" trolled medium, andwherein said governs the degree'and the time of exposure'to] temperature variations of the exteriorfmotor'l part, and wherein-said mechanism iscontrolled thermostatically, but independently of sai thrl:

A Another object .brvthis invention is to provide a valve of comprising an independent therm'o-motor and an independent'rthermol statically actuated motor controhin which the motor consists of an interior operating portion, directly exposed to the influence of the medium to be control1ed, and an exterior, relatively stationary portion,-the function of which latter gov-.

said motorflcontrol being providedwithmeans for controlling'the degree and timeoi exposure I of said exterior motor-portion, the, controimech anism being governed: by an independentjthermostatic element, and wherein the operation of that mechanism is that 01' a snap, action, and 0 wherein means are provided for adjusting and regulating the operation of the mechanism. and

of such snap action, by the adjustment of the independent thermostatic element,

1,. Another object oijthis invention is to provide ;;-thermostatically operatedand thermostatically controlled avalve, wherein the valve is operated by a thermonnotor, an exterior portion of which is normally exposed too large extent to the room :.temperature, and to asmaller extent to the temvp ratureemanating' iromthe valve; housing, ex-

to the medium'jpasslng therethrough, and whs e n ji i iwmfl n controlled 511 "the operation of a rjmechanism,

whereby thetemperature diflerential of, that whichllatterisjgovernediWanindependentthefi t medium-exposed member may becompensated' =L. mostaticvelement kandlwhich mechanismlincludes or over-compensated, and whereby the lag in a'closure'orinsulatongyhieh.1 adaptedfiqeitherig isclose'd orcpen partially or fully enclose the exterior portion of the thermo-motor, or partially or fully expose the same, and wherein that mechanism, and the mounting therefor, is provided with controllable air circulating means, and wherein the mechanism is so arranged as to provide or prevent or minimize air circulation by a definite snap action movement.

The foregoing and still further objects and important advantages of this invention will be more fully apparent from the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings, which latter, although illustrating various forms of my invention, are not intended to limit the same to the actual showing, and wherein Fig. 1 is a vertical section through one em bodiment, of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a'vertical section of another embodiment of my invention, including certain additional features;

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a third embodiment of my invention similar to that illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig.4 is a partial cross-sectional view through a fourth embodiment of my invention, including a modified form of my thermo-motor;

Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view through a fifth embodiment of my invention, wherein a bi-metal thermostatic disc element of the convex-concave type is employed;

Fig. 6 is a partial cross-section taken on line 6ofFig.5;'

Fig. '1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view through a sixth modification of my device, employing an orange-peel jshaped pocket closure or insulator for the stationary thermo-motor portion:

Fig. 8' is a cross-section of Fig. '1 taken on line 8-8; I v

Fig. 9 is a partial cross-section of Fig. 7 taken on line 9-8;

Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view through still another modified form of my device, wherein cylindrical quadrant pockets are employed as closures for the stationary motor portion;

Fig. ll is a sectional view taken on line Il -II of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view on line I2-I2 of Fig. 11:

Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional detail view taken on line Ii-I3 of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 14 is a fragmental illustration, partially in cross-section, of a remote control applicable to each of the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 4.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 1, numeral I denotes a valve housing provided with an intake port 2, and an outlet port 3, which latter may be either closed or opened by a throttle 4, secured to the operative end of bellows 5. This valve is intended to control the flow of either a heating or a cooling medium passing through the valve housing into a heating oricjooling radiator," and it is evident that, bellows, are permanently; directly aha fully; ex,-'' posed to thefinfluencepf the medium controlled, by it, that is tothe temperature andthc-pressure ,oi' the-medium,- irrespective of whether throttle 4.

j The, llow 'sja'reflattachedjlat one" endj'to the rear wall, I-' {of the"valvehousingg andform -the interior, operative part of "the thermo-motor.

Chamber or vessel 3, which is connected with "bellows l by a communicating pipe or passage I,

member of the thermo-motor. Both the bellows and chamber 6 are filled with a thermostatic medium, such as an easily evaporative liquid, or

-with a combination of liquid and gases, which media expand or contract according to the temperature aflecting them. Slight variations of temperature will cause a rapid operation of bellows 5 for either closing or opening port 3 by throttle l. The liquids used in the bellows may be either alcohol, ether, gasoline, kerosene or similar liquids, while the gases employed may be either air or any gaseous formations of the aforesaid liquids. Other liquids and gases which may be usefully employed are those of the ethyl family.

For all practical purposes it is intended, when my device is to control a heating fluid, that the thermostatic medium within the thermo-motor, irrespective of whether it is wholly in liquid form or whether it consists of a combination of liquid and gaseous matter, should fill or nearly fill with its liquid portion the exterior chamber 6,. while only the gaseous portion or the gases.

created by the evaporation of the liquid medium are to fill bellows 5. Only when the evaporation of the liquid medium is incomplete, or when condensation should take place, a small quantity of liquid may temporarily remain in the bellows. Passage 1 connecting chamber 6 with bellows 5 is purposely-designed to be relatively short and is of sufficiently generous dimensions to provide a quick, unrestricted flow of a thermostatic medium from the chamber to the bellows and vice versa.

Exterior member 6 is mounted in a stationary inner band 8, which is surrounded by an outer movable cylindrical band 8' of closure 9, and which movable band is attached to or forms an integral part of the closure. Both the bands and closure 9 are made of insulating material, which may be either non-conducting or reflecting, or both, or may be equipped with conducting or reflecting inner linings. Closure 9 constitutes the major part of an independently operating mechanism for governing the degree and time of exposure to temperature variations to which chamber 6 is to be subjected for operating bellows 5. The operation of closure 9 is con-- trolled by an independent thermostatic element It. This entire mechanism is housed in a stationary mounting II, which is directly associated with valve housing. I, and preferably forms, in part, the end wall of the latter, indicated at I'. This mounting is provided with air circulating passages I2, located near the valve housing, and other passages I3 which are somewhat remote from the valve and are in near proximity to the right end wall of vessel 6. There are still other air passages provided in the mounting, such as indicated at I4 and I5. Corresponding to, and in cooperation, respectively, with passages I3 and I2, closure 8 is provided with passages I3, closring 8', closing flange I6, and a closing or end disc II, which three lattermeans controlthe Thermostatic; element-.510 is illustrated in this figure in the shape of 'a closed "chamber or double diaphragm, filled with ;a thermostatic medium.-

Its'.;-.,stationary ;.end." is fixedly-j supported from ill by means of bracket I8, while its movable endis connected with disc?" of .the'

closure by means of an adjustable spring I9, at-

forms the "exterior, substantially stationary tached to adjusting lever 20. The position of this to a certain temperature, the

movable center portion to its normal, inoperativeposition.

perature, passing now closure 9, through apertures l2, l3 and 13',

valve is used in conne ator, chamber 6 is'no circulating air, but

housing. This heat qui ize, and the vapor thus pressure is quickly "resulting in an instantaneous movement of throttle} to its closing position against port 3. Dueto this shutting oi! oi the heat supply, the

rise in the item rature o! the air surrounding e the valve is che [eventually begin to fall so that closure Swill be this condensation the pressure portion f of vess' lever and the tension or the spring I9 may be regulated by thumb-screw! l. Thermostaticelement In is so designed that, when it is subjected medium contained therein is expanded or volatilized, and causes its snap out to an expanded position, and snap back toits normal position,

when the temperature drops. i v

In Fig. 1, thermostatic element III is shown in Whenthe temperature influencing element Ill rises and its movable center portion snaps to its operative position,

, closure ring 8' disc I1 is moved against vessel i, while member or vessel 6 had. been exposed tocircua is brought into contact'with, or-

the near vicinity of, the rearwall l' of the valve 7 housing. Previous to this action, exterior-motor";

will be required that bellows 5, as well as chamher i, befllled .or nearly filled withuathermostatic medium or media which willvolatilize rapidly at the outer portion oi vessel 6, the moment the latter is uncovered. In controlling a cooling medium,heatis"fiowing allthetime from vessel I 5 to the cold valve body,and heat is supplied by vessel 6 drops rapidly, whichlwcauses the con-- traction of bellows 5 and ing of throttle 4.

lating air currents of the prevailing room tenithrough the then opened'pas",

sages l2 and I3 across the surface of the vessel. Any eflect upon member 6 from the temperatureeman ating from valve its leftward movements, blocks thdpassage" of circulating air through ction with a heating radilonger being cooled: by the is subjected to the heat emanating from memos surfaces 01' the valve kly accumulates, since it is trapped within the surrounding insulation of the closure parts;

As the heat rises. the thermostatic medium willexpand and vaporforming will create sufficient pressure to force some of the medium from the chamber through passage 1 into bellows contained in chamber 6 5, where the medium isnot only rapidly evaporated, but even super heated-wherebyagreater built up within the bellows,

ked and this temperature will caused to snapito an uncovering position in respect to vessel}, thus exposingit to the circulation of air through passages l2, l3 andv l3.

This air circulation induces a cooling action upon the liquid contained in the chambn and the formerly produced vapors arenow caused tocondense in chamber 6. Inasmuch as through in chamber 6 falls. the vapor from bellows 5 re-enters the chamber, thus causing the contraction of bellows' 5 and the opening of port 3 by throttle l. Bellows 5 contains only vapor at anytime when used for controlling a heating medium.

Whenthis device is used for controlling a heatingmedium, it may happen that, due to the heat transfer through the wall of tube 1,.the liquid-in vesselytnear the; attached end oi the tube, will stillvolatilizejeven though the vessel will not interfere, however, with "the opto cause a rapidcondensation of the medium volatilizedby the heat ofdifferent medium-rams shouldactually\noti be completely fllledjwith'liqui'd. when the valve is employed for controlling'a cooling medium, it

and assuming that the '1 the temperature of the air-surroundingvessel 6 when thelatter is uncovered. The moment,

however, vessel 6 is covered, the supplyoi heated air islshut ofi, and the temperature surrounding the] subsequent open- "rib 'ed lcan be employed in connection with the control -oij. either" cooling or heating media} conveyed'to which may be used during cool seasons for heatchamber l isrnin imized by air circulating through ports l2. When ing purposes, while during warm seasons it may serve as cooling radiator. If thus1employed,.ior

controlling either heat or cold, theexchange of the thermo-motor andelernent. l0,;or of their thermostatic media willberequired. Instead of a'single independent thermostatic element ID, a

pluralityof diaphragms may beemployedif a more extensive movement: of closure! is desired. Referring now particularly to, the operation of individual thermostatic element l0 and its exposure to the temperature of the air passing or circulating around it,it is. to be-noted that be- Iorethe covering action by closure 9 of chamber ment, however, closure {moves to its covering "6 takes place, the actuating end a of element I0 is relatively cut oil fromthefcirculating air, inasmuch as passages 13 are practically closed by the over-extending flange of disc II. The mopiisition, it is necessary, forcorrect' operation of thede'vice, to increase the cooling effect upon element ll], since disc l1 ,of closure Sbecomes heated, andyraises the temperature ,or the air surrounding element 10, which mustbe prevent ed. This isaccomplished by ,openingpassages l3 to the circulation of air, which willnow pass the i device is tofunction accurately,

movable end of element 10 and coolit. It the it-is essential that -the temperature of element 10 be caused to fall after the covering action of closure J, even though the room temperature remains constant or increases. i j l The drop in temperature to which element It iis to be exposed, should be at least equal to the difference between the temperature at which the center portion of the element snaps out, and the temperature at which its center portion recedes to "its normal positionrwln practice, it is 1 preierableto lower the temperature about ele- .ment "I even more than thatflin order to provide for an anticipating action, so thatwhen the room temperature approaches the desired degree oi heat, while rising, the action of thermostatic element. Ill takesplace before the ultimately desired temperature isreached, thatis, element l0 will cause thecovering of chamber 6 before that "becomesexpose'd or uncovered by closure 9. This l prawn r erationfoi'ltheidevice,'Piovlded that the outer,

' 6 is cooled sufficiently fast as r temperature is reached. The heatfrom the radiator. controlled by, the valve,

- in'g 'ofl'theyroom temperature; were it not for the iantlcipating action,

n J is, possible 11w; fuse; ove r-compensation to, cause'ithe heatingjmedlum-tobe shut ofl ior a "short-"time: and thenitu'rned' i on again before the desired temperatureisreacned. 'qln iother words, I r

the heat is. shutoflandfthe mechanism, so to It-is obvious, thererorelthat the device dea radiator or liketinstrumentalities, Y

M will continue to raise the room tempjerature for atime after the f speak, waits to see whether the temperature rises to the desired point, and if not, it turns the heat on again, and this continues until the desired temperature is reached. This action is due to 'the element It alternately expanding and conlever 2| and spring [9, whereby the spring pressure against the movable end of element ll may be minutely regulated.

From the foregoing description, the general operating principle, and the purposes and functions ofmy invention, become clear. The dominant features of mydevice reside in the provision of an independent thermo-motor for actuating the throttle, and an independent thermostatically controlled mechanism for governing the operation of the thermo-motor, and provisions whereby the action of the mechanism may be adjusted for compensation or over-compensation for the purpose of overcoming 1. The lag in heating or cooling a room to the desired temperature by the radiator; ,2. The lag in heatin cooling of the independent thermostatic element of the mechanism; 3. The lag in the action of the throttle due to the lag inheatingand cooling of the medium in the exterior vessel; and

4. The temperature diiferential of the independent thermostatic element.

It is also clear that desired compensating or over-compensating efl'ects in the operation of the device may not be obtained by the adjusting means of the mechanism alone, but depend also upon the proper determination of the sizes and arrangement of the circulating passages, to effect rapid or slow heating or cooling, at proper time periods,'of the independent element of the mechanism, as well as of the exterior chamber 8. The above principal features of my invention are maintained throughout in the construction and operation of all hereinafter described modiflcations.

Referring now to Fig. 2, numeral I again indicates a valve housing in which operates throttle bellows 5, connected by means of tube 1 to exterior chamber 8', which latter possesses, in-

stead of a rigid right-hand end wall, a flexible diaphragm 22. Against diaphragm 22 rests with its short arm a lever'23, suspended by a pin held in mounting II. The longer lever arm is designed to cooperate with wall ll of closure 9'. The thermostatic elementfor controlling the op- .eration of closure 9' in this case is in the form of a bi-metallic spring I0, pivoted at 24 and adjustable by means of adjusting knob 2!. The free or lower end 25 of element It engages the longer arm of another pivoted lever 28. The shorter hook-shaped arm of this lever engages, by means of a suitable opening, insulating closure wall l'i. The free end of bimetallic element li' isseparated from its. pivotedend by a stationary insulator 21, whichfis covered at the left with a heat-conducting or heat-reflecting (or both heat-conducting andheat-reflecting) shield 28. The latter is provided for the purpose of aiding in providing compensating efl'ects in especially during the time chamber 8' is in exposed or uncovered position. A fine adjustment of the element may be eil'ected by thumb-screw 2|. Closure 9' is suspended from, and propelled to its covering position, by a pair of springs 29 and 30, when it is released by hook lever 28, after element It is caused to move the lower end of that lever to the left, when the desired room temperature is reached. The moment chamber 6' is covered, the temperature within the closure rises and expands the thermostatic medium in the chamber, until a point is reached at which bellows 5 close the valve. After, chamber 6' is heated to a somewhat higher temperature, the higher pressure causes diaphragm 22 to snap outwards and induces the operation of lever 23, which in turn overcomes the pressure of springs 29 and 30, and pushes closure 9' into engagement with the booking pawl of lever 26, provided, of course, that this lever at that time is released from contact with, and pressure to the left, by

thermostatic element It. As long as this is not of the closure to a covering and uncovering position, as chamber 8- is alternately cooled, when uncovered, or heated, when covered. The closure operating mechanism described above provides for a snap action movement.

A- similar closure movement, and as effective an operation may be obtained, even though dispensing with thermostatic element l0, if spring 29 is made of thermostatic, bi-metallic construetion, and suitable adjusting means for controlling its operation are provided. The operation of the device, thus modified, would give a graduated action and the flexible diaphragm 22 would not be necessary, so that chamber 6 of Fig. 1 could be used in place of chamber 8' of Fig. 2.

The general construction and operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is practically the same as that of Fig. 2, with the difierence that exterior motor membert" is designed in the form of bellows, and the independent thermostatic element 3|, controlling the operation of the closing mechanism, also'constitutes a bellows arrangement. Against chamber 6" bears the shorter end of spring induced lever 23, which latter operates in the same manner as does lever 23 of Fi 3. Closure 9" is suspended and operated springs 29' and 30', and closure wall I1" is provided with a catch arm 32, adapted to engage a corresponding detent of spring induced lever 28', the latter being under operative con is built up within the bellows to overcome the tension of springs 33, at which moment plate 25 becomes released, permitting the bellows to snap to their expanded position. The same snap action becomes rehold an end plate iigfittached to bellows G'f, in the position shown, until. a sumcient pressure ered. The bellows end-plate is held by the out- In the modification [shown inFig/l, throttle liquid-conveying tube 31.1 In operation, vapor passes from bellows 5 through tube 36 into chamberflllfi and condenses, whereas liquid is passed through tube 31 from chamber I06 to bellows 5 lnreturn. The independent thermostatic element I ill of this construction is in the form of a chamber or double diaphragm,with normally concave walls, and is filled with a thermostatic medium. Thischamberis fixedly suspended at its center at one side by bracket 38, depending from mounting 39, whileits leftconcave side" free'to operate. r

Closure-40 is suspended by crosswise arranged 2,263,103 versed when the thermostatic medium within the bellows is cooled oif and the pressure lslowwardly curved ends {of springs 33 until the re-y duced pressure causes the bellows, to contract. In both Figs. 2and 3, the air circulating passages of the mounting and of the closure arecontrolled [in the same manner asdescribed inrconnection withFig. 1. i

I, attached to the rear wall I, of the valve housing, and communicating by conduit 1 with exterior motor chamber I06", whichlatteris provided with a diaphragm", similar tothat described in Fig.2, Disposedon either side of chamber I06 are stationary insulating walls 48 and 48', providedwith annular air circulating passages 49 ,and 49. With these massages, register, respec l bellows are connected to stationary chamber 1 member I06 of the thermo-motor by anupper connecting and condensation tube 36 and a lower,

tively, annular rings 50 and. 50, mounted" together upon hars 5i, and are so arranged that at one time oneof the passagesis closed by one of the annular rings, while the other passage is opened bythe other ring, and vice versa.

These bars are preferably guided over rollers 52 and are connected to a floating frame 53-, which latter is engaged and operated by an indesprings 4l,,designed tofkeep it normally in the uncovering, illustrated position. Extendingfrom the rear wall of the closure isa shieldingring 42, adapted to cooperate with the operating side of element H0. Between the rear wall of the closure and the operating side of element H0 is a lever 43, pivoted on apin secured to the an adjusting spring 44, the position and tension JWhen closure is uncovering position, its ring 42 assumes a .place close to the operating pendent thermostatic element, in the form of a bi-metallic concave-convex disc or diaphragm.

element, upon being subjected to temperature changes, snaps to the right, "thereby moving frame 53, andthus operating rods 5|, causing the opening of passage 49 and the closing of the annular passages 49. The center of element 54 bears against an extension '65, provided at the right-hand stationary insulating wall 48, where- 1 by themovement of frame 53, through the flexing of element 54, is effected. To the same wall 48' ispivoted a double-arm lever 41'', whichlatteris actuated by diaphragm 41 of chamber I06,

when the diaphragm is caused to snap over to theright, as the temperature within chamber H16 rises. This causes the movement of rods mounting, andprovided ,at its lower endwith louver 59,.adapted to close passage 60, provided'in mounting 5| of this modiside of element H0, whereby the latter becomes heated quicker and expands correspondingly a more quicklythan if it werenotcovered on that side. However, as soon as the operating side of element H0 expands,,lever 43 pushes closure 40 i into coveringposition, whereby ring 42 becomes spaced from element l 10, thus permittinga rapid cooling of thelatter. Thisin turn causes the snapping back of .itsoperating side, and the movement of the closure to the uncovering position shown. The aforedescribed modification may be so designed thatthe diflerence between the temperature, of the surrounding medium, such asjair, at which element H0 expands, and the temperature at which it contracts, may be exactly coinpensatedso that such difierenceis nil. Howeventhe deviceshould be adjusted for over-compensation, which may be done by varying the insulating properties of closure 40 and by providing varying clearancesbetween ring 42 and elementllll. d

I The double tubeconnection between bellows 5 and chamber I06 promotes, after the uncovering ,action by closure 40, a quicker circulation betweenthese two motor members, because thevaright-hand portion of the I .snapped-overelement 54, therebyjcooling it and po'r is drawn through the upper tube into cham:

ber I06, 'due-=to-condensation therein, wherebylows 5 in oPening-thethrottle., j

In the next modification 'of my device, illusvided radiating fins/or'ribs.

ingfspringihheld in cup SLI-andthe tension of thespring may be regulated by thumbscrew I 58. V At the upper end of frame 53 is provided a or open circulating fication. The size of opening 60 may be regu- 1 lated by an auxiliary slide 62, whereby the operation' of the device may be additionally controlled as to compensation mover-compensation,

for the reasons stated previously.

, At the valve wall I or the mounting are pro- 63, shown partially incross-sectionizi Fig. .6, While the device is in the position illustrated, air passes through bottom opening 64, into the space between lnsulating discs 48 and 43', the cools oil the thermo-- statlcmedium contained inchamber I06. The air progresses 1 1mm this space through "annular ment 54, to without the mounting. Y:

When the-room temperature hasrisensuffl opening 49', :aboutframe 5a and -bi-metallic eleciently to affect bi-metallic element 54, the latter snaps from its shown position, to the just,

opposite position; This operatloncausesthe closing ofthe annular passage 49' by ring 50,, while annular passage 49 is freed by ring 50, whereby louver 59 is moved to the right, freeing passage 60 and permitting air to circulatethrough the compensating for the following rise in temperature, induced by thenow heated insulating disc element between its snapping action from one position tothe other. closed right-hand wall circulation of air, entering through left-hand trated in Fig. 5, the usual valve housing I is bottom passage 84, which air is forced through The heating of the now is causedby the confined mounting, about the the lower portion of annular port 49 of the lefthand insulating disc 48, from where it rises and is warmed as it contacts with ribs 63. The heated air then leaves through the upper portion of annular opening 49 into the space between the two stationary insulating walls. g

In this manner, chamber I06 is subjected to a rapidly increasing heat, which naturally also afiects wall 48. This heat expands the thermostatic medium within the therIno-motor, which in turn actuates throttle bellows 5. The thermostatic medium still continues to expand, which additional expansion causes diaphragm 41 to snap outwards to the right, whereby lever 41 is actu-' ated and returns bars 52 and their closing rings to the position shown in the drawing. By the proper adjustment of thumb-screw 58, spring 51 is compressed or loosened, thus directly affecting the operation of element 54. Through a corresponding adjustment of the sizes of the various circulating passages, the device may be set for any degree of compensating, over-compensating (or anticipating) actions, as may be required for overcoming tardiness in movements, and for the purpose of maintaining room temperatures as uniformly as possible.

In Fig. 5, the flexible diaphragm 41 is not actually required in that construction for providing a snap action, such as is essential in the construction shown in Fig. 2, where diaphragm 22 must be dependedon for such snap action, inasmuch as in Fig. the bi-metallic element 54 has an inherent snap action and will operate closing rings 50 and 50 without the aid of the snap action of diaphragm 41. However, I purposely illustrate a flexible diaphragm because of a function' which it may receive, which function has not yet been mentioned, butwhich may be provided in all cases where flexible diaphragms are shown.

It is sometimes desired to throw all thermostatic devices in a heating system out of operation for a period of time, as, for instance, in a school building which is closed over night. The morning after, when the walls, and other parts of the building, are cold, due to the heat having been turned off during the night, it becomes desirable to heat the building quickly. This may be readily, accomplished by increasing the steam pressurev in the heating system. During this forced heating period, the air temperature, which would be satisfactory after the walls and the interior of the building are heated, is no; satisfactory while they are cold.

When now abnormal high pressure is applied and passed through the valves having flexible diaphragms, such as diaphragm 41 in Fig. 5, the

effect, will bethat the high pressure will com-' press bellows 5 and move it in right-hand direction, which motion may betransmitted from the free end of the bellows by a rod 1' directly to diaphragm 41, whereby the latter is forced to snap out in a right-hand direction. The diaphragm will be held in this position, and while thus being held, will prevent element 54 from operating with means to prevent the bellows from being compressed beyond a safe point so as to prevent injury from either excess pressure within the bellows or from a vacuum formed therein when the bellows are cold. Such instrumentalities are not shown in the drawings, inasmuch as they are obvious andare commonly used in similar devices. f

The flexible diaphragm shown in the various figures cannot be readily overstressed by a vacuum inasmuch as communicating tubes 1 act as safety stops for the inward movement of the diaphragm. These diaphragms also serve to prevent excessive pressure'being built up within the thermo-motors, which pressure may cause damage thereto, in that when more than the usual pressure is formed within the motor, the flexible these figures, the formerly used thermo-motor construction, consisting of throttle bellows and exterior chamber H6 is again employed, but the closure for the chamber is constructed in the form of two orange-peel-shaped pockets or insulators 65 and 65, which are capable of tuming on, their vertical axis to an extent of They are preferably provided with interior refleeting or radiating surfaces. Both of these insulators are identical in shape, but one is reversed relative to the other. They are mounted in vertical end bearings 66 and 55, as clearly seen from Fig. 8, so that their outer bearing tips 61 and 61 engage, respectively, bearings 66 and 66'. Their inner, shorter bearing tips interlock with the interior portions of their respective outer tips.

In using this construction, the two orange-peek halves may be made from the same pattern and are therefore interchangeable.

Both insulators are provided with suitable recesses 58, shown clearly in Fig. 7, for accommodating communicating tube I of the thermo-motor. The insulators are adapted to move toward one another to either left or right (when observing Figs. 7 and 8), thereby either shielding chamber IIB against heat from the valve housing and subjecting it to the circulation of air from without, or exposing it to the heat emanating from the valve housing, while preventing air circulation from without. These closure positions are indicated in Fig. 7 in full and dotted lines, respectively.

The independent thermostatic element in this figure consists of a bi-metallic strip 59, fixedly secured at 10 to an arm H, depending from mounting 12. The free end 13 of the element is provided with an extension 74, to which is attached one end of an overcenter operating snap spring 15. The other end of that spring engages a bearing I6 of a snap lever 11, which latter is suspended by means of a short spring 18 from a stationary yoke 19. The lower end of lever 11 is equipped with a louver 80, and above that louver there are provided loops 8| for operatively engaging corresponding loops of connecting rods 82, associated at 83 with the bottom faces of the two orange-peel shaped halves of the pocketlike closure.

mate m. quadrants, as, for vinstance,

At the upper "portion of the free endof the thermostatic element is a band 80, which secures the element to leaf spring 85, which latter extends downwardsand is "attached at "to the i bottom portion of mounting I2. Above its ataaeairia.

tached end, the leaf forms stop or abutting means 01 and for limiting themovement of the free .end 130i element 69. Leaf 85 may be positioned by meansof thumbscrew 89, whereby the adjustment of element Louver 80 at the bottom of lever I1 coopera s with an air passage ,90,alternately closing r opening it, thereby preventing or promoting c culation of air through mounting I2 for infii -c 'encing the operation of either element 60 or of chamber I I6 of the thermo-motor. y' Referring now to Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13, tlgfre are again illustrated throttle bellowsi, com

nicating through pipe 1 with stationary motor 69 is "accomplished.

25 x tion through the mounting. This providesfor a compensating action similar to that described in pose of quickly transferring heat to the space i surrounding chamber H6 when in the closing position. Also, at their interior surfaces are provided ribs I I1, shown in detail inFig. 13,.which cooperate with fins or ribs 0, extendingfrom the wall I' of mounting 00, forming the back of valve housing I. At the side opposite wall I, chamber IIB is provided with similarxribs IIO.

'(seer'ig. 13.) When the quadrants are in. closing position, their ribs III engage fins or ribs HQ and 'IIS, and thus promote heat transfer to chamber H" by conduction.

-,these quadrants, and being eflicient refiectors It will be seen from Fig. 11 that. when the pocket-like quadrants arein their open position, i

for the purpose'of promoting the cooling of chamber IIS, the shields, operatively connected with interpose themselves between chamber IIS and the heated wall I' of mounting, therebypreventing. heat transfer to chamber IIO".; The

arrangement of the quadrants is such thatwhen they are in their open position, they close circulating openings I provided in the mounting The construction of the closure in this caseoonsists of four pocket-like cylindrical quadrants, which in all of the Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are shown in their open position. These quadrants marked I00, I00, IM and IOI" are adapted to cooperate in pairs with one another and with corresponding shields or reflecting plates I02, I02, I03 and I03. Two of the pocket like quadrants and two' corresponding shields are mounted symmetrically on shafts I04, seen Figs. 11 and 12 so that, for

opposite one another, thus stopping, air circulaconnectionwith the other designs. 1

In the aforedescribed figures,.the independent thermostatic elements employed are shown arranged within the mountings. It often occurs,

however, that it is desired to control the operation a case the mechanism forcovering or exposing the instance, quadrant I00 is fixedly joined with plate I02, while quadrant I00 is directly connected with shield I02. This connection is accomplished by providing quadrant I00 with a hub I00a, to the end of which is attachedshield- I02. In the case of quadrant I00, its hub I00'a is fixedly secured-to a sleeve I00'a', to which latter shield I02 is attached. (See Fig. 12.). Each pair of quadrants is provided with curved and spaced gear or sprocket racks I05, engaged by gears or sprockets I01, which latter are keyed to a common operating shaft I08, rotatably lodged at I09 (Fig. 11) in mounting 08, and which is held under rotary tension by coil springs IIO. These springs are intended to normally turn the shaft in one the shait there is fixedlyz secured a cam -I,I I, by

direction. At the centerot o'f thethermoatatio-liduid to ,be affected by the means'of whichthe shaft may be rotated inthe direction opposite tofthat induced by springs-I I0.

In. cooperation with diaphragm 05 of stationary chamber 6', :there is shown (in Fig. 10) a pin II2, which when the diaphragm is caused to snap outwards,that to the right, will acquadrant I00; there is secured a catch arm= IIJ, which isadapted to cooperate with the lower end I of thermostatic, element 01. This catch arm is provided with, a detent, shown in dotted lines at I w in Figs. 10 and lzyadaptedto engage lower end II 4 of the element, for the purpose ofholding all quadrants in their open position, against the tendency of springs I I0 to close them. All quadrants are made of insulating material, as shown in sectional view in Fig. 12, and are lined with At one,,or. both'of: the lower exterior motor member may be actuated by a relay arrangement, such as an electro-magnetic device similar to that used in controlling the operations of heating and cooling machines. In-,

illusasmuch as such mechanisms are known, no trations are submitted. i i A non-electric device with asuitable remote control is illustrated in Fig. 14. There is-shown at-I2I a thermostatic element, fixedly supported" by arm I22, through which support passes a con-: duit I23 (shown exaggerated), andwhich conduit communicates withremote bellows 12 4 mounted in frame I25. The temperature at which action takes place is adjusted (by thumb-screw \I21. From bellows I24 extends another conduit" I28,

but it is obvious that not only one, but a plurality .of such conduits may connect the bellows with a number of elements I2I of differently located valves. These bellows are exposed tothe room temperature. The volume of the thermostatic liquid in the bellows comprises the-major portion room temperature, while the volume of liquid contained in one or a plurality of elements I2I iscomparatively small.

Thus, the operation of all elements connectedwith the bellows I 24 by their respective conduits will be'simultaneousand the same'as if the elements themselves would be individually afiected by the same room temperature.

While in the foregoing description structions of invention were defined, from the many modifications illustrated itis quite obvious that structural changes may be. made, as ,my device finds employment for the control of different instrumentalities. Thus, for example, the fiexible diaphragm of the exterior motor rnember,

with a suitable coacting mechanism, as employed in Figs. 2, 5 and 10,1nay he readilyomitted and non-flexible chambers, with their corresponding bperating mechanisms, substituted, and by, the

ofthe valve from remote places, in which specific con-' shown in Figs.

flexible diaphragms, to suit particular condishown in Figs. 2,3, 10, 1 or omitted, provided, o1

equivalents are substituted. By the same token, the independent thermostatic/elements of the portion induces same token, non-flexible chambers, such as 1 and 4, may be provided with tions.-

The different latching or catching devices 1 and 12 may be altered course, that adequate various devices may be substituted by one another, thus for instance, the bi-metallic spring 13 and lever I1 shown in Fig. .'I,may be replaced by a bi-metallic disc as shown in Fig. 5, or by av liquid-filled thermostatic chamber as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. Also, the suspension or operating springs for the closures, illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4, may be employed in v stance, the closure shown in Fig. 1. Changes may be also made in the construction of the closures, which, although preferably made 01' non-conducting or reflecting materials, or a combination ofboth, may be constructed in a diiierent man;

ner and from different materials. The same I applies to the mounting within which the operating mechanism is indicated above, are 1 made without the necessity of resorting to illustrations and further arranged. Changes, such as obvious and may be readily descriptions.

Summarizing; the principal advantages of my invention reside in the fact that I provide a relaconnection with, for in- 1. In a thermostatically operated valve, including a valve housing having a passage and a throttle for opening and closing said passage, a self-contained thermo-motor associated with said valve housing and comprising a closed chamber, containing a thermostatic medium reacting to temperature consisting of a movable interior member, forming thev operating part of said throttle, and an exterior member, forming a continuation of the interior member, said interior member being disposed within the valve housing and adapted to be permanently exposed to temperature and .pressure of the heating or cooling fluid controlled by the valve, said exterior member being mounted outside of, but sufllciently close to said valve housing to be directly influenced by the latter's temperature, a stationary mounting adjacent to said exterior motor member, a thermostatically controlled mechanism, disposed and operative within said mounting, for gove'rning'the temperatures affecting said exterior member, said 'mechanism consisting of an independent thersmaller degree to the tively simple, inexpensive and accurately operating thermostatically controlled valve, wherein I employ an independent valve actuating motor, an independent mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor, nd an independent thermostatic element by means of which that mechanism is actuated. The motor may be of a thermodynamic type, as illustrated in'the different figures, or may be of any other suitable construction, so that one portion thereof constitutes the throttle actuating mechanism, while the other the operation or this, mechanism, which in turn is governed by the operation of a closure mechanism, which latter is'controlled by an independent thermostatic element.

Furthermore, the mode of operation of the timing of the motor and of the independent elementmay be controlled by the aforedescribed or equivalent means, whereby both of these instrumentalities are either'heated or cooled for producing anticipating, or over-compensating'eifects in the operation of the valve, for overcoming lags, usually due to occur in the operation of such devices. Moreover, the independent thermostatic element is provided with minutely regulable ad ,iusting means i'or especially controlling and timing the operation of that portion of the device.

Although I have illustrated specific structures and arrangements, it is readily evident that they are disclosedprincipally for the purpose of demonstratingthe ease whereby such devices may be constructed to form practical operating mechanisms, which are applicable for controlling the operation of valves employed in heating or cool-' ing plants, and which devices are capable 01' accurately maintaining uniform temperatures within confined spaces. It is also evident that modifications in suchv devices may become necessary, due to their special purposes'i'or which they may be' used, and I wishit to be understood, therefore, that I shall have the right tomake changes and improvements, without departing from the broad scope and spiritofmy invention, as defined by the annexed claims, g

I claim:

mostaticeleinent, exposed to a large degree to' the exterior surrounding temperature, and to a temperature emanating from the valve housing, a movable closure, for exposing or covering said exterior member,

controlled by said element, for alternately subjecting said exterior member to the influence oi varying exterior temperatures, and manually actuated means extending from said housing and operatively connected. with said element for adjusting and regulating the operation of said element.

2. In a thermostatically operated valve as per claim 1, and wherein said mounting and said closure are provided with a plurality of corelated air circulating passages for controlling the amount of exposure to temperature changes, by way of air circulation, to which said exterior member and said element are to be subjected, for effecting the operation 01' said throttle memher.

3. In a thermostatically operated valve as per claim 1, and wherein snap action actuating means are provided for moving said closure to either a closing or an opening position.

4. In a thermostatically operated valve as per claim 1, and wherein one end of said exterior motor member is movable, and means in contacting proximity with said movable end of the exterior motor member, and interposed between the latter and said closure for actuating the closure when said function.

5. In a thermostatically operated valve as per claim 1, and wherein said closure is provided at its interior surfacewith heat reflecting means and exterior insulating means.

6. In a thermostatically operated valve as per a closed, independent vessel, and wherein said members are provided with generously dimensloned communicating means for providing an unrestricted, quick flow of the thermostatic medium from one to the other member of the thermo-motor.

7. In a thermostatically operated valve as per aim l, and wherein said I I Y I 1 I I.

changes, said chamber movable end is caused to claim 1, and wherein said closure comprises; a 1

ing compasses said closure, and wherein the latter and said mounting are'provided with air circulatiompassages. 8. In a-thermostatically operated valve as per plurality of cooperating pockets; adapted to either enclose or free said exterior motormember. a I

9. In a thermostatically operated valve as per claim 1, and wherein said closure comprises stationary insulators, and operative closure means for promoting or stopping air circulation.

10. In a thermostatically,controlledvalve, an independent thermostatically operating throttle motor, including an operative throttle-actuating,

interior member, exposed to the pressure of the medium controlled by the valve, such as steam, an exterior motor member connected with said throttle actuating member, said exterior member having a flexible wall, motion transmitting means associated with said throttle-actuating member, for moving outwards saidflexible wall oi the exterior-member, an independent closure for the exterior member, {or either covering or exposing the latter, an independent thermostatic element for actuating said closure, detent means operatively associated with the flexible wall of the exterior member and said closure adapted to prevent, under desired conditions, the action oi! said thermostatic element, when said flexiblewall is eausedrby said means of the throttle actuating member, to'assume an outward position.

11. In a thermostatically operated valve as per g claim 1, and wherein said closure is provided at.

its interior surface with heat conducting means and exterior insulating-means. 12. In a valve, a thermostatically operated throttle, a thermostatic motor for controllingthe operation oithe latter, said motor consisting of a throttle-actuating interior and an exterior part,gsaid motor parts forming continuationsot -one anpther, said interior-partbeing ditectly and permanently exposed to the influence Jot-theme dium controlled by the valve, said exterior part being adaptedgto be influenced by the temperature of the surrounding. atmosphere and being nating from said housing, said thermostatic motor constituting two substantially centrally connected communicating vessels, and thermostatically controlled means exterior to the housing for altering the air circulation surrounding and affecting said exterior motor portion, for causing a variation in the rate of speed at which said exterior motor portion is either heated or cooled, therebychanging the speed of action of said interior motor portion, said means consisting of an instrumentality :ior alternately covering and -uncovering bodily said exterior'motor portion,

and a temperature-sensitive, adjustable mechanism for actuating said instrumentality.

15. In a thermostatically operated valve, a valve housing, a throttle therein, a thermosmotor ior actuating the throttle: the motor being composed of an interior throttle-operating and an exterior member, both motor members forming closely adjacent, intercommunicatlng compartments of a sealed vessel, the'interior member being directlyand permanently exposed to the influence of the medium controlled by the throttie, the exterior motor member being alternately exposed to heat radiations from theexterior of the valve housing and to the temperature changes of the atmosphere surrounding the exterior member, a mechanism, independent of said motor, for either covering or exposing the latter bodily, thereby governing the operationor the motor and,' therethrough, the operation of the throttle, an independent thermostatic element controlling the operation of said mechanism, means for governing air circulation about said element and said exterior motor member p ovidedwith said mechanism for effecting temperature changes in the, atmosphere surrounding saidexterior member andsaid thermostatic element; andadiusting means for controlling the operation of said element and of said temperature change-effecting means, thereby controlling .the operation of the throttle, said temperature change efljectingjmeans constituting controlled disposed insuch close proximity to the valve housing as to be exposed to the temperature emanating therefrom, means for alternately enclosings-rid uncovering the exterior part; to subject the latter to. the influence of the temperature, alternately, of the valve housing and oi the surrounding atmosphere, and an independent thermostatic element for controlling the opera- "LiQn ofsaid enclosing means for indirectly governing the operation of said throttle.

. 1 3; Inja valve asL1=-i0rth in claim 12, and

adjusting meansi'orcontrolling the operation or said independent thermostatic means, and thereby governing the action of said throttle.

1,4, In a thermostatically operated device for controlling liquid or gaseous media, a valve housing, a thermostatic motor operative in said housmg and; comprising two portions, an interior portion, permanently'anddirectly exposed to the influence of the controlled medium, and an exterior portion, exposed to the influence o! the surrounding atmospberewnd .to the beat emair-clrculatingfpass'ages for either promoting or curtailing the circulation of air about both the.

exterior motor member and the independent thermostatic element.

16. In a" valve, a thermostatically operated throttle, an adjustable thermostatically controlled mechanism, independent of and remote from said throttle, for indirectly governing the operation '01 i the latter,, a thermostatic motor forming a part of the throttleand comprisingvv two closely adjacent communicating interior and exterior sealed vessels, the interior vessel constituting the operative element of the throttle disposed within the valve housing and being permanently exposed to the direct influence oi! the medium controlled by the valve, said exterior vessel being disposed outside the valve housing and being subjected to the combined influence of the temperature emanating from the valve housing and to the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere; said mechanism comprisingmeans for either bodily covering or bodily exposing said exterior vessel.

SHERRILL S.v 

